A SELF defence instructor is calling out for help to support victims of violence following his own traumatic experience with criminals.
Pete Martin, of Lodge Park, started teaching at Redditch College in 1991 after studying martial arts for more than ten years. The 49-year-old decided to take a break until five years ago when he saw a brutal assault in Redditch which spurred him to set up the Redditch Self Defence Association.
“After what I saw I knew I had to use my skills to help other people,” said Pete.
“I do teach physical skills but I also educate people on types of violence and how to deal with fear, teaching avoidance and awareness skills.”
The association helps victims of crime as well, running a variety of courses including stranger danger classes for children, ladies self defence and sessions at the Redditch Boxing Club in Matchborough on Saturdays.
“I explain how violence works and give people some understanding of what they are going through – some people I’ve helped had been too frightened to leave their own homes.”
In the last three years Pete has spent £3,000 of his own money to fund the association and, as it is neither registered as a sport or voluntary group it is difficult to gain funding.
“I will never refuse to train anyone due to affordability – the aim is to support the community,” he said, “and £3,000 isn’t actually that much over three years compared to a lot of hobbies and past times.”
“I am always looking for ways to promote what we do and let the community know what we can offer them.”
For more information visit www.redditchselfdefence.co.uk .
